§ LORD HELMSLEY (Yorkshire, N.R., Thirsk)On behalf of the hon. Member for Gravesend, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the Canadian Prime Minister, in the Dominion House of Commons, on 26th March, that Canada has offered the United States reciprocity in the coasting trade with Canada, but that the offer so far had not been received with favour; whether he will give the House details of the offer and the reply; and state what provisions were made in the offer for safeguarding the interests of British shipping under any such reciprocal arrangement.
§ THE UNDER - SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.The Secretary of State has seen a telegraphic report in the Press of the statement to which the hon. Member refers; he understands that the Prime Minister of the Dominion spoke of an offer made to the United States several years ago. The notice of his Question given by the hon. Member has not been sufficient to enable the Department to make the necessary research, but if he will repeat his Question after the Easter recess I hope to be able to give him the information he desires.